Sur la Pont, d'Avignon

On Thursday we were off for our trip to Avignon.  Tram then an hour and a bit on the train brought us into this old town.  Once again we hit the tourist stream.  We came in through the gates of the old town which to me looked like turrets in a kid's play castle. This picture taken as we came out of the train station.

We wandered down the back streets which was not all that interesting until we came to Rue des Teinturiers (street of the dyers) which runs alongside a stream that is a branch of the River Sorgue.  There were 23 water wheels along this stream in the old days, used to power the town's industries in the 18th century.

These days there is just the one remaining, but it such a pretty little side street to walk along.  Lots of reasons to take pictures.

We wandered through town to the far side and the famous bridge, actually called St. Bénezet Bridge. It's impressive but having been to the Pont du Gard yesterday it's hard to be impressed in the same way, especially since it's not a bridge that goes anywhere anymore.  It was built between 1171 and 1185 and was the only bridge crossing the mighty Rhone River in the Middle Ages.  It was damaged several times by floods and the residents could not afford to keep fixing it.  So now the town makes money by charging everyone 5€ to walk out on the bridge.

The ramparts on the shore side of the bridge.

Romanesque chapel on the bridge dedicated to St. Benezet.  

Bells above the chapel.  I love the bells in France and Spain.  

Door leading to tower which then leads to the draw bridge and bridge. 

We did do our dance at the end of the span but it was so windy the singing did not come across so I have put up this picture from inside the main building. Our dance was pretty sad anyway!

The big square in town was interesting, lots of folks milling about.  Interesting building across from the Pope's Palace. 

Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes).  The pope in 1309 who was French decided it was too dangerous to live in Italy so moved to Avignon until 1417.  This was home and headquarters. 

Avignon's Cathedral is to the left of the Palace of the Popes.  The gilded Mary on the top was added much later in 1854.

We wandered through the permanent market, Les Halles and were very impressed with what we saw - several chefs doing meals as well as all the wonderful fish, bread, cheeses and veggies. 

We had lunch down the street from the market on a side street but the less said about that the better, so no pictures.  It happens. The wine is always good though.

We wandered back to main avenue and to the train station, catching the 4:38 train back to Montpellier.  This was our last day-trip out of town with Susan.  It's been great fun seeing all these little towns together.  

Coffee at Place de l'Europe, Montpellier, this morning. 

We decided to do a last tour through Montpellier with Susan, starting in the modern area of Antigone and working our way back in time to the medieval streets. 

We spent over an hour enjoying the scene and sun with our coffee - in café on left. Good chat and great surroundings. 

We finally walked on, in pedestrian area, past fountains and more cafés.  We checked out some of the shops in the old part of town, and then found a place for lunch near St. Roch's Cathedral. Then headed for home. Susan leaves before dawn tomorrow (Sat).  It's been great fun to have her here to share our travels. 

Wendy et Marion